Compare Best of western Canada by train and self-drive by Audley Travel

Day 1 : Vancouver

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Vancouver. On arrival in Vancouver today, make your own way to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the city. Depending on your arrival time, you could visit the Museum of Anthropology to learn about the area's First Nations culture, or sample street food from one of the many food vendors.

Day 2 : Vancouver

You have the full day at leisure to enjoy Vancouver. There are plenty of sights to see in this cosmopolitan city including Stanley Park, which is a great place for cycling, Canada's largest Chinatown, historic Gastown, and the shops of Robson Street.

Day 3 : Vancouver

Today you join a whale watching trip, heading out onto the Strait of Georgia and tracking reports of recent whale sightings. This is one of the best places to view orca in the wild, with three pods native to the southern parts of Vancouver Island. Your on board naturalist will tell you all about the orca, porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles and other wildlife that you may encounter. Spend the rest of the day taking in the sights of Vancouver.

Day 4 : Vancouver

Enjoy further time at leisure in Vancouver today. This afternoon you will make your way to the VIA Rail station to embark on your fantastic journey by rail. Here you board the Canadian, a luxurious train from which you can enjoy fantastic views from the domed glass observation cars. You will be accompanied by experienced guides who know the railway and the areas you pass through well and can help point out wildlife. You spend tonight on board the train in your private cabin.

Day 5 : Jasper

Today your journey on board the Canadian continues. You will enjoy spectacular scenic highlights as you start your approach to the Rocky Mountains. Have your cameras ready as you approach Mount Robson - the highest peak in the Rockies. You get one of the best views possible from on board the train so this really will be a special part of the journey. You arrive in Jasper this afternoon and have the rest of the day to relax at your accommodation or explore the town.

Day 6 : Jasper

Today you have the full day at leisure to explore Jasper and the surrounding area. You could take a walk around the alpine meadows near Mt Edith Cavell and Angel Glacier, a great area for wildlife viewing and hiking. Alternatively, take a cable car up to the top of Whistlers Mountain, or take a boat trip out on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island for an iconic view of the turquoise lake and surrounding forest.

Day 7 : Jasper

Spend a second full day exploring the beauty of Jasper National Park. A fantastic spot to visit is Old Fort Point look out. It's a beautiful walk from town and the lookout offers stunning views of Jasper town and the surrounding mountains.

Day 8 : Field

Drive five hours south from Jasper, along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, to Field. Your journey includes a stop at the Athabasca Glacier where you will enjoy a guided walk onto the glacier itself. The trip is led by knowledgeable guides who can tell you about the glacier and the area's geology. Your journey then continues towards Yoho National Park. There are many beautiful lakes and glaciers to admire en route.

Day 9 : Field

Spend time taking in the striking natural scenery of Yoho National Park and the surrounding area. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are within easy reach and offer great walking and wildlife viewing opportunities. In Yoho itself we recommend visiting the towering Takakkaw Falls. White water rafting, fly fishing and mountain biking are all available in the area.

Day 10 : Banff

Continue to Banff this morning. The journey takes around an hour and a half, so you will be able to enjoy much of the day exploring Banff National Park. We recommend taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which boasts superb views stretching across the Rockies. Walk along the boardwalk to the summit to get even higher and look down upon Banff below.

Day 11 : Banff

Today is yours to further explore Banff National Park. You may like to visit the historic Cave and Basin site, or take the Banff gondola for spectacular views over the park. For a chance of seeing some of the area's wildlife, follow one of the many hiking trails in the area. We like the walk that leads along the Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots - seven cold natural springs that bubble up to the surface of a meadow.

Day 12 : International return flight

You may have some time to spend in Banff this morning, perhaps browsing the town's shops for any last-minute souvenirs. You then take a two hour drive to Calgary Airport, where you return your hire car and board your onward flight.

Day 13 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.